Will 250w electronic ballast fire both SE and DE bulb?

[dz6t]

Is a 250w electronic ballast can be used on both single and double ended bulb?

Thanks a lot

 

[naturebatslast]

Yes it will fire both, but it won't overdrive the DE like an HQI.

 

[Liam]

i think most will,the early style icecaps don't as i recall though

 

[pantinor]

The ice cap ballast specs say "fires all 250w lamps", plus they are selling DE HQI lamps on their website.

http://209.204.76.225/index.htm

 

[dz6t]

Thanks for all the info.

 

[RichConley]

Yes it will fire both, but it won't overdrive the DE like an HQI.

HQI ballasts dont overdrive DE bulbs. HQI ballasts drive DE bulbs to specification. Electronics underdrive DE bulbs, which can lead to shorter bulb life, as well as lower efficiency.

 

[Liam]

The ice cap ballast specs say "fires all 250w lamps", plus they are selling DE HQI lamps on their website.

http://209.204.76.225/index.htm

but the early style that ice cap that is no longer listed on their site will not as i recall.Just warning Dong in case he finds a used one.The early icecap ballasts can be identified as being longer than the new versions

 

[dz6t]

Thanks Liam.

The one I have is a new one but not made by ICe cap.

I also got some 250w DE bulbs that are UV-shielded with the ballast.

 

[naturebatslast]

HQI ballasts dont overdrive DE bulbs. HQI ballasts drive DE bulbs to specification. Electronics underdrive DE bulbs, which can lead to shorter bulb life, as well as lower efficiency.

Overdriving to the point of not delivering 250, but using more like 280 to 300 watts.

 

[RichConley]

which is the wattage described in the HQI specification. Running DEs on electronic ballasts is just as bad as running SEs on HQI ballasts.